Strike action threatened for today at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports was called off last night, saving thousands of passengers an afternoon of disruption.
Unions had planned a two-hour stoppage from 11 a.m., but deferred the action following emergency talks with officials from the Department of Transport.
They now plan to enter talks with the Department on a range of issues concerning the future of the three airports and their employees.
Mr Liam Berney of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions described the talks as "the last chance saloon" for the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, to show that he was prepared to hold meaningful negotiations.
Mr Brennan, however, is to continue with his plan to break up Aer Rianta and set up separate management companies for the three airports. A spokesman for the Minister said that decision was not being revisited. Instead, an agreement has been reached between Mr Brennan's officials and union leaders on three strands of talks about the future of the State's airports.
The first strand, to begin on Friday, concerns the Government's plans for the Shannon stopover and a possible second terminal at Dublin airport.
These talks are to conclude by December 5th, and Mr Brennan has undertaken not to take any proposals to Cabinet on the two issues before then.
The second strand is to focus on issues arising from the planned break-up of the company, such as the debt burden to be carried by Dublin airport and other concerns which the unions have raised.
The final strand, to be independently chaired, will examine employee issues such as job security, pensions, pay and conditions. Had today's action gone ahead, flights would have been unable to take off or land between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Knock-on delays would have built up for the afternoon.
